Baby Rules The Insider's Guide to Raising Your Parents

I'M HERE: AT THE HOSPITAL I hope you made a checklist to remind you what you'll need at the hospital. Daddy can't be running out to partake in some last minute shopping because who only knows what he'll bring back. Besides, you're going to need his help at the hospital. If you planned ahead you'll find it easier to relax and enjoy the moment. Remember that anything you've forgotten isn't nearly as important as just enjoying the miracle of my arrival. Weary, weak, worn-out. Does that describe how you feel? It's OK to be tired, you've been through a lot. That's why you have to take every opportunity to get a few moments of shut-eye. You'll feel much better once you catch up on your sleep. I tend to get a little cranky myself when I'm tireda. I know it's hard to believe but it's true. DIAPERING Let's start with the basics. If you are using disposable diapers, remember that the tape goes in the back and the pattern goes in the front. (Could they make it any easier?) I know it's convenient to have baby-oils and powders on the changing table. Did you know some of these items could be harmful to me if I swallow them? Don't tempt fate u keep these things out of my reach because they look like fun and interesting toys to me. Note to adults: Cornstarch can be very harmful if ingested as well as baby oil. Keep them out of my reach. BREASTFEEDING I'm glad you're going to breastfeed me because of the many immunities you're passing on. While commercials and movies may make it look like a piece of cake, sometimes it's not, so don't get discouraged: We have a long time to get it right and it's the best thing for me. Don't wait too long between nursing times or pumping times because you can cause your milk supply to dwindle if you don't express your milk regularlyuus babies usually need to eat every two to three hours in the beginning. Think of it this way, breastfeeding is a matter of supply and demand -- the more you nurse the more milk you will make. BOTTLE-FEEDING & EATING When preparing formula with water, you should use cold water and let the tap run for two minutes. Old water pipes may contain lead and this will lessen the chance of lead contamination. Now I am not saying we have lead in our pipes; I am just saying to exercise caution. A little caution never hurt anyoneanot that I know of anyway. WAIT! Did you test that bottle before giving it to me? You need to shake out a few drops onto the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot. It should be warma. Not hot! Make sure you shake the bottle before giving it to me. Hey, I'm not asking you to prepare a seven-course dinner. This is a gourmet meal to me. When I'm starting new foods you need to give me one food group at a time to make sure I'm not allergic. The doctor will guide you through this and tell you which foods and how long to do this but I think you should feed me my veggies first. If you start me off on those yummy fruits then I'll never eat those veggies. If you're going to raise me to enjoy all kinds of foods, you're going to have to outsmart me u if you can! GAS AND BURPING When feeding me, it's a good idea to try and burp me approximately every 1-2 ounces. You don't want to see how unhappy I'll be if you give me the entire bottle and then try to burp me. Note: As I get older I will be able to drink more before you burp me. Don't forget to burp me when I've finished the bottle as well. Sometimes when I'm crying you might rush to feed me, when what I actually need is to burp. If you feed me when I'm gassy it'll only make me feel worse. Let me help you out: "Waaaah!" means I'm hungry. "Waaah!" means I'm gassy. See the difference? DON'T PANIC Don't panic if I have a temperature. I amJamie, Schaefer-Wilson is the author of 'Baby Rules The Insider's Guide to Raising Your Parents', published 2004 under ISBN 9780757301988 and ISBN 0757301983.